Grease-trap Cleaning
Grease-trap Cleaning | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Lenoir City
Grease traps are the unsung guardians of every busy kitchen, and HEP keeps them working flawlessly for Lenoir City eateries, cafeterias, and food-service facilities. Our licensed plumbers arrive on schedule, pump and scrub every chamber, and haul the waste away—leaving you with a spotless trap, zero lingering odors, and a kitchen that meets all health-department regulations. Because we’re local, we know the city codes inside out and can file any required documentation on your behalf, saving you paperwork and potential fines.
Behind that meticulous cleaning stands 20+ years of commercial plumbing experience. From high-capacity jetting to camera inspections and emergency line repairs, we have the specialized tools and training that commercial properties demand—yet we still answer the phone like a neighborhood shop. One call to HEP and you get transparent pricing, flexible after-hours service, and technicians who respect your time as much as your business. Let us handle the mess below the sink so you can focus on what happens above it.
FAQs
Why is regular grease-trap cleaning important for Lenoir City restaurants and other commercial kitchens?
A grease trap’s job is to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they reach the city’s sewer mains. When the trap is neglected, FOG solidifies inside your plumbing, causes blockages, foul odors, and potential sewer backups that can shut your business down. Lenoir City follows state and municipal pretreatment standards, so a poorly maintained trap can also lead to health-department violations and fines. Routine professional cleaning keeps your lines clear, protects the environment, avoids costly emergency plumbing calls, and helps you stay compliant with all local codes.
How often should my commercial grease trap be cleaned in Lenoir City?
The general industry guideline—the "25 % rule"—states that a trap should be cleaned when the combined layer of grease and solids reaches 25 % of the unit’s total liquid depth. For most restaurants in Lenoir City that means every 30–90 days, depending on kitchen volume, menu type, and trap size. High-volume or fry-heavy operations often need monthly service, while smaller cafés may do fine on a quarterly schedule. Our technicians measure your trap at each visit and set up a customized maintenance plan so you never exceed that 25 % threshold.
What warning signs tell me my grease trap needs immediate service?
• Slow-draining sinks or floor drains • Gurgling or bubbling sounds in the drain line • Persistent sewer or rancid grease odors in the kitchen • Grease appearing in secondary clean-outs or parking-lot clean-out caps • Grease levels clearly over 25 % when you open the trap lid. If you notice any of these issues, call us right away. Prompt cleaning prevents full blockages and the health-code violations that come with them.
Do you handle disposal and paperwork to meet Lenoir City and Tennessee regulations?
Yes. We pump, remove, and legally dispose of all grease-trap contents at a licensed treatment facility, never down the drain. After every service we provide a manifest that details the date, volume removed, transport permit, and disposal site—documentation accepted by Lenoir City Utilities Board inspectors and Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC). We keep electronic copies on file, making health-department audits quick and stress-free for you.
How much does professional grease-trap cleaning cost, and what factors influence the price?
Pricing is based on the trap’s capacity (measured in gallons), accessibility, current FOG level, and frequency of service. Small in-kitchen traps start around $135–$175 per visit, while large outdoor interceptors or multi-compartment tanks can range from $250 to $600. Regularly scheduled customers receive discounted rates because the trap is easier to service when it never over-fills. Call us with your trap size and we’ll give you a firm, no-surprise quote.
How do I schedule grease-trap cleaning with your Lenoir City commercial plumbing team?
Simply call our office, use the online booking form, or email the service desk—24/7 emergency dispatch is also available. We’ll ask a few quick questions about trap size and location, coordinate a time that minimizes kitchen downtime (early morning or after close), and send a licensed, bonded technician. Most cleanings take 30–60 minutes, and we leave the work area spotless so you can get right back to serving customers.